So you just made a nice calligraphy and as you look at the art, you scratch your head. Your eyebrows frown and you start to think ‘Something’s not right.’ The color isn’t shimmering at all.
You try to put more ink into the artwork while pressing the tip into the paper, it breaks. ‘Gosh! What Am I supposed to do?’ you think to yourself as you can’t take it anymore.
Save all the drag! Without the perfect markers, you can say your artwork goodbye. Turn the tables by getting the best watercolor markers.
Well, that’s what we’re going to show you today. We’ve got a handful of markers that are running super hot in the marketplace. Want to get your hands on these? Take a tour with us.
Why Do You Need Watercolor Markers?
Watercolor markers are cheaper in price compared to other marker types, especially alcohol-based ones. Besides, they shimmer the artist-grade potentiality you’ll need to take your art to its pinnacle.
Besides, these come with great fine tips which make them perfect for creating nice calligraphies very easily. Artists are often using watercolor markers as an alternative for paint-brushes.
Moreover, you may face a hard time washing other marker types but water-color markers turn the tables. You’ll find them very easily washable; all you need is just a gentle scrub. As a result, you can say all the messy situations goodbye once and for all.
Water based markers are lighter than alcohol-based ones and they’re quite kid-friendly. Since they’re non-toxic, your kid won’t face any threat even if he using watercolor markers it on his skin. As you finish up your work, you’ll find that these markers dry faster than all other marker variations.
Talking about alcohol-based markers, some artists do find these very expensive to buy. In fact, some beginners find them a bit tough to use. In this case, they choose water-color markers as an alternative as well. Like I said, they’re cheap and pretty easy to work with.
Different Types of Watercolor Marker
Based on individual features and user preferences, watercolor markers can be classified into many different kinds. Here are some of the common types listed.
Dual-ended
The most favorite type of watercolor markers is the dual-ended type. Usually, one end of the marker has a finer tip, and the other end has regular bristles or tips. Such markers provide flexibility to users and allow them to create versatile work. For this reason, watercolorist loves dual tip markers.
Based on nib design we classified 3 (common) different kinds of marker. Here they are:
Brush Tip
Brushes or bristles are often used for marker tips instead of silicone or felt. They can be natural or synthetic. Of all the kinds of tips, brush tips are most preferred by artists. It is because brush tip markers are most similar to the paint and brush duo.
Fine Tip
Watercolor markers are mostly classified on the brush pen tips. One of the common tips of markers is the fine tip. Fine tips can be of different ranges depending on the use and the manufacturer.
Ideally, fine tips are tips similar to that of regular pens and are good for detailing. A brush set is considered incomplete without a fine-tipped one.
Chisel Tip
This one you’ll find in many brands. The reason behind its popularity is that you can use the edges of the tip for various purposes. Irrespective of whether you’re making thin strokes or painting several colors, this one is a perfect fit.
Flexible Tip
Depending on flexibility, markers are of two types. Rigid ones and flexible ones. Usually, tips made of brushes or bristles are flexible. The more organic the source of the tip, the flexible it is. Flexible tips offer great blend-ability and are mostly used for lettering.
Top Rated Watercolor Marker Reviews
In this article, we’ve discussed only those watercolor markers which are the best in the market based on our research and customer reviews. If you are in a hurry just check the Quick List above and pick the right one.
1. Tombow 56185 Watercolor Marker- 10 Pack
Love fine arts? What about brush lettering? Don’t tell me you love faux calligraphy as well. It doesn’t matter even if you love watercolor illustrations. Tombow 55185 marker is the perfect catalyst for you.
You can use the flexible brush tip like a paintbrush which lets you create a versatile number of fonts, arts, and letterings. As you make amazing arts, you can put enough pressure to feel your comfort zone.
Did I say you can put pressure on the marker? Yes, sir, it won’t be a problem if you do. This brush tip is made of nylon fibers which makes it durable enough to withstand the pressure you’re going to put on it.
Thanks to the strong and firm fine-bullet tip, you get to make a perfect and consistent fine line which takes your drawing embellishments to the peak.
Creating the array of mind-boggling new colors is easy as a snap. The day of using watercolor paints has ended. You can create watercolor effects simply by using the colorless blender marker pen. Or, you can shift to the subtle color washes with the paintbrush.
As you blend different colors with your marker, you don’t have to worry about permanent stains on your marker tip at all. Thanks to the self-cleaning tips, you’ll just need a scrap paper to clean them.
Don’t worry about bleeding through. The non-bleeding feature will back you up all the way through. Besides, since it’s odorless, you won’t experience those unwanted smells at all.
Speaking of colors, the whole set offers you 9 different color variations to choose from. Besides, it also includes a blender pen along with dual tip design – one end is fine tip and the other is flexible extra brush tip. To make sure you can identify your colors, the set comes with no less than 108 color-coded caps.
On top of that, these coded caps will keep the water-color paints fresh and airtight. The cap also has an anti-roll design for your convenience.
You don’t have to worry even for a bit if you mess up your hands with these markers at all. This watercolor marker set is completely non-toxic and acid-free. This keeps you in a safe zone. If you have a toddler in your home and he happens to gulp it in, you won’t have to run after doctors.
2. Arteza Watercolor Real Brush Pen- 48 Colors
If you want amazing quality and give your art a premium look, Arteza real brush markers should be your best pick. It’s one of the most popular watercolor marker brands in the market. Flexibility, functionality, you name it, this marker has got everything to suit your taste.
First off, the pens come with rich colors and finer. As you carry out your inking job, you get to experience the ultimate precision control which allows you to create stunning watercolor techniques.
The water-based marker set offers you no less than 48 pens and 48 mind-blowing colors to choose from.
If you’re more into watercolor effects, you can use this marker with water. When you don’t need to use the water, you’ll be able to make jaw-dropping calligraphy, sketches, and paints.
As you make all those fine arts, you do it with precision and control. Doesn’t matter if you’re trying to go for subtle gradients or shadings or let’s say light pastel-washes. With these markers in your arsenal, you do everything with ease and convenience.
Unlike the mainstream ones, Arteza real brush pens survive all the beatings and tough conditions like a pro. You can put the pressure on it and keep painting or sketching or do whatever you’re doing. The marker won’t face any issue to survive.
Thanks to the nylon brush hairs it comes with, the marker reaches the enhanced durability to counter all the threats. The tips are supple and soft. As a result, making thick lines or thicker strokes is just easy-peasy.
You don’t want it toxic, do you? No worries. This watercolor marker set is safe and non-toxic. Besides, there are ACMI certified, so you won’t face any issues that involve toxins.
3. Tanmit Calligraphy Brush Marker- 60 Colors
If you loved the markers I’ve mentioned above but you want something that goes a little bit different when it comes to durability, you might want to check the brush pen from Tanmit.
The dual tipped design, it has got ensures the ultimate durability of the product. It’s not of those typical markers that break their tips as you put a bit pressure, no. This one can survive all the toughest beatings no matter what.
For which, you can press the marker hard and start making amazing outlining and details. Besides, it comes with 60 different colors with mind-boggling versatilities.
School planner, journaling, calendar, notebook, you name it, you can switch between a wide range of color variation and perform all the amazing work all by yourself. It can be your desired brush pens for calligraphy art in this list.
As you use the watercolor pens, you won’t experience any issues regarding ink-flow or skips. Since the water based ink dries pretty faster, it won’t bleed at all.
You’re getting a paper barrel with the water-color marker set in which you can keep your brush pens easily. Carry it in your school, office or home or give it as a gift to someone, these watercolor pens are the perfect choice for everyone.
The best part? The ink is completely acid-free and non-toxic. So if you’re not into toxic stuff, these markers are the perfect catalysts for you. To enhance the durability of each marker, they’ve been covered with a round paper barrel. This will pack your markers well, making sure they remain good as new all the time.
4. Akashiya Watercolor Markers- 20 Colors
Love manga and comics? It’s time to make your own manga or comic book with Akashiya watercolor marker set. Best known to Japanese calligraphy artists, these are the perfect alternative to the expensive and posh water based brush pens.
The soft and flexible brush tip allows you to make perfect artwork as you show off your skin as a perfect art-smith. The brush-tip, by the way, is made by the hands of skilled craftsmen to make sure you get the durability you deserve.
As you press the marker hard on the paper, you’ll get amazed to see that the tip isn’t breaking at all. For which, your markers survive the toughest beating for a long time.
Did I say these markers are non-toxic? From now on, you can let your little one show his creativity. Let him play with the markers as much as he wants. No toxin means no harm.
Kids can mess their dresses up with painting stuff. Typical markers with dye-based ink make stubborn stains on clothes and walls. You literally got to struggle a lot to remove them.
Akashiya markers are 100% washable and water-soluble. It doesn’t matter whether your child is getting all his clothes messed up. Just scrub the paints and Voila! You’ll be able to remove it simply whether it’s on the clothes or on the walls.
With this brush pen art marker set, you’re getting 20 different colored pens to choose from.
The best part? You can also mix these colors to create more different and vibrant colors that are not in this set.
5. Ohuhu Watercolor Brush Markers- 20 Pack
Ohuhu watercolor’s unique color effect is excellent for preparing wish cards and create calligraphy. Expanding your artistic borders from now on will have no limit. All you need to do is tap a plain brush inside the water and the result you’ll get is a masterpiece.
The set of watercolor markers is the perfect catalysts for writing your thoughts while you can jot down notes instantly. Indeed, these brush pen set is a beautiful addition to your writing. Whether it’s about broad or fine strokes, the marker pen lends itself to prepare an eye-catching reminder.
The color selection it offers will make you go wow. You’ll get no less than 20 color variants in one set. The special part? It offers you an extra brush. So, from now on you can make consistent letter-shape along with the sfumato effect.
If you want to create the watercolor effect, all you need to do is dab the brush into water and get to work.
If you have kids in your house, let them play with these markers as they color around to show you their creativity. Say all your worries about harm goodbye as these markers are non-toxic and have no odor at all.
I know when kids get inside this business, it surely means the whole house is going to get messy. Well, these watercolor brush markers from ‘Ohuhu’ are completely washable. It doesn’t matter if your toddler paints his dress, skin or even the wall, you can simply remove it by scrubbing.
6. MozArt Supplies Brush Pen Markers
If you want durability at its best, the brush pen from ‘Moz Art’ Supplies you should go for. The single brush pens are not only functional but also more durable than the typical ones.
The tips are soft and flexible which lets you have total control over the marker as you draw and make fine arts flawlessly. With the premium-grade ink, the markers come with, you’ll be able to turn your designs a masterpiece.
The water based ink blends in perfectly with watercolor papers while it adds smooth highlights and shadow on your artwork. Besides, you’ll love the fact that you can use this marker with watercolor paints as well.
Coloring books, lettering, journaling, illustrating, you name it, with these markers in your arsenal, you’ll be able to switch between a wide range of art diversity just like a walk in the park. With the flexible tip, it comes with, you can switch to calligraphy mode right away. The fine-tip on the other hand, allows you to create all those lines and detailing.
Speaking of diversity, the typical brush pen markers may disappoint you with their color variation. Most marker sets come with 5 or 6 color choices. Unlike the mainstreams, the whole set comes with 20 color options that will boggle your mind. As a result, you can blend the color versatilities and create jaw-dropping artwork as you desire.
You’ll be able to get the markers set that comes with 12 and 24 color variations as well. There’s also the set that has got the dual-brush pen. If you want to give this brush pen set as a gift to someone, you can simply choose the single brush pen gift set.
Besides, if you happen to mess up your hands with the color, you won’t have to worry about itches and rashes. These watercolor brush pens are completely non-toxic, so you can have a harmless experience.
7. Craft and Colors Benicci Vibrant Brush Markers
Still, looking for the best markers? You might want to check the vibrant markers by Benicci. It doesn’t matter what painting style you want to switch to, with Benicci markers, you’ll be able to create a wide range of paintwork effortlessly.
Not just coloring, you can create alluring calligraphy, shadowing, outlining, and many more with these vibrant markers.
Love pressing the tip of your markers? You’ll be disappointed if it breaks as you press the tip harder. Well, at least this is what you get from the typical markers in the marketplace.
This markers have got durable and flexible tips. Press it as hard as you want, you’ll be happy to have a hard time breaking it. Wait, did I say ‘flexible?’
Yep, it turns your coloring job a breeze. As you make beautiful calligraphies and artwork, the smooth breeze-like maneuverability will impress you for sure.
Speaking of which, the set offers you 25 vibrant colors that make your coloring job easy. you’ll get watercolor paper-pad along with a refillable brush pen. The set also comes with a carry case.
Got kids in your home? Toxic markers can be a threat to your kids. Well, not anymore if you got Benicci in your home. These markers are 100% non-toxic, so if you think these markers will harm you, you can just wave all the worries right away.
Traditional watercolor markers can be messy, and they become a bummer if they mess up your clothes. These markers turn the table though. They’re completely washable so even if they mess your clothes or your skin, you can easily get yourself a wash and get rid of the watercolor paint stains.
8. Ohuhu Dual Tips Coloring Brush Pen
If you want more flexibility from now on, you can get your hands on Ohuhu art markers with your eyes closed. You can turn your art into the next masterpiece with these within a snap.
The dual tipped design, it comes with are pretty flexible which lets you make shades, outlining and color easily and conveniently. As you start inking, you’ll know that making amazing arts was never smoother. Ohuhu makes the coloring job a breeze.
Not just coloring and shading though. Thanks to the brush tips that team up with the Fine-liner tips, you’ll be able to make blending, coloring, calligraphy, card-making and a wide range of artwork with one marker.
With the set of watercolor markers, you’re getting 3 brush tips and 2 fine-liner tips as replacements. So if you think you need to replace your tips a bit, you can do it right away.
The color variation the whole pack offers you will make you go wow for sure. Unlike the mainstream marker sets, this one comes with 60 gorgeous color diversities.
The colors are vibrant and come with very high-pigments. You can also mix them with each other so that you can create new colors within a snap.
As you finish up, your artwork will dry up faster than ever and get transfixed on your paper almost within a blink. So, if you ever worry about blotches and smudges, you can wave it off.
When you’re done using these markers, you can keep it nice and organized inside the well-designed barrel the set comes with. In addition, the set offers you color-coded caps, so you’ll be able to identify your markers within seconds.
9. Winsor & Newton WaterColor Brush Markers
When adding unbeatable highly pigment based color to your cards and notes, the ‘Winsor & Newton’ markers perform outstandingly.
Since it gets a wonderful bullet nib with the ability to create detailed lines, the markers snatch artists’ preference. It highly assists you to color within the lines. For wider and full coverage lines, the thin nib requires multiple moves over it.
Luckily, the flexible brush tip on the other side of the marker makes the task easier. These twin-tipped markers are awesome when you need multiple line consistencies and fine detailing as well.
You want more? Then this set of watercolor markers is the right choice for you that hears your wishes. You can blend the color of the marker with white brushes.
So, if you say that, coloring with this marker is a similar process to watercolor, you are not wrong. All you need to do is redeye a layer and then blend it.
Millions of people decorate their memories with colors through markers on paper. But what if it fades away and you never get to find? That’s undesirable, right? This is why the marker has got the fade-resistant feature.
As you create your artwork, you’ll never have to worry about the quality and the color itself fade away. You can still find your art-piece as good as new even if you take a look at it after a decade.
This ‘Winsor Newton’ water-color marker comes in 12 rainbow colors enclosed in a lightweight metal box. Choose the one you like and give rise to new memories. Need more colors? You can also go for a set of 36 colors if you want. If you think you don’t need many color versatilities, you can also go for a set of 6 colors.
10. Tanmit Dual Tips Art Markers
Your search for the best watercolor markers might end right now with Tanmit dual tip art markers. Why these markers stand out? Well, that’s what you’re about to find out right now.
First off, you’ll be able to get fine details on your artwork from now on and it won’t give you a hard time. The credit goes to the fine tip that comes with its dual tip design.
Besides, you’ll be able to create all those calligraphy, cards and lot more smoothly like a breeze. The precision the markers come with makes them ideal enough for class, home, office, etc. Since it has a very comfortable grip, you get to create all those fine lines and arts with ultimate accuracy.
When it comes to keeping your markers in your home, I won’t blame you if you worry about your toddler messing up with all of your markers. Most of them come with harmful toxins that can harm your child.
Tanmit changes the game once and for all. This watercolor paint pen is 100% toxin-free which makes it friendly to your skin and the skin of your child.
Besides, you can wave off all the worries if your toddler messes up his dress, skin and the walls while showing his childish creativity. The markers are completely washable. One simple scrub and the paints will be gone.
The whole set comes with 40 color variations and color-coded caps that let you identify your desired marker instantly. Besides, as you color up your artwork, it will dry faster than ever.
Since it dries out pretty quickly, you won’t experience any bleeding when you create your art-piece. Besides, the ink is completely resistant to fade, so the quality of your art will stay good as new for years to come
It comes with high watercolor pigments, as a result, you get the stunning coloring experience you deserve. To make sure you can identify your markers whenever you want, the set comes with color-coded caps.
11. Spectrum Noir 12-piece Water-soluble Aqua Markers
When it comes to water-based markers, ‘Spectrum Noir’ offers one of the best in the market. With its sleek design and remarkable features, it leaves no expense to serve a great user experience.
Our review is primarily based on the 12-piece aqua artist’s set from the brand. With 12 definitive colors, the set also boasts dual tip design for each marker. The color selection is also very rich since it allows a lot of versatility through mixing and matching.
Each marker has a light blue barrel, giving off an instinctive “aqua” vibe. For easier color identification, the top and bottom ends of the marker are given specific colors. Besides, the names of the colors are mentioned as well. Shape-wise, it is hexagonal. Since it is dual-ended, both ends have identifications of the nibs.
Coming to the duo-nib situation, one nib is a basic brush nib, and the other is a fine nib. The finer nib is amazing for minute details. Dual nibs are all the roar now, so it’s a great feature that is cherished by both professional and beginner-level artists.
As for the performance, ‘Spectrum Noir Aqua‘ markers will allow you to have good coverage. It is meant for illustration work, and both the nibs perform well to serve that purpose. Are you sensitive to certain elements of water-based markers? Then you can undoubtedly choose this one. It is free of acidic components and fragrance.
For this watercolor marker set, the downside is the absence of a refill option. On a good note, price point isn’t the downside at all. It is a market set of good value. If you are a keen collector of art supply, you can deem it as a wise investment.
12. Chromatek 54 Watercolor Brush Pens
Looking for premium quality watercolor marker set? Look no far. This 50-colored set from Chromatek has it all.
Water-color pens are often considered to be less efficient than alcohol-based ones. If you have believed it too, this particular set will prove you wrong. It consists of 50 exclusive colors, with a watercolor paper pad comprising of 15 pages, 4 real brush pens, and an online tutorial series for beginners.
Undoubtedly, there are a lot of products in this set. But despite having a large number of products, the set is quite lightweight and well-sized.
Performance-wise, it is best known for blending. Besides, its wide range of colors is also something that makes it the talk of the town.
Let’s talk about the colors. Not only are they each different from the others, but they are also distinctively marked to make identification easy. Separate colors, codes, and names are used for the identification.
Pigmentation is an essential element of watercolor markers, and this one has great pigmentation as well as saturation.
There are 4 additional brush pens made of natural brush tips. Together, these 4 different tipped brushes make the perfect set of water based brush pens. Another impressive addition to the set is the watercolor paper pad.
Free from acidic composure, this pad is made of high-quality materials. If you buy this set, you can also gain access to video tutorials from the brand.
If you are a beginner, don’t ponder much and buy this set already! If you are an artist, you can consider it as a collectible and still get it.
How to Use Watercolor Brush Pen?
Now that you know a thing or two about different kinds of watercolor markers- let us guide you on their usage.
- Unscrewing the Barrel:
At first, you have to unscrew the barrel of the watercolor marker. You can easily do it by twisting it. Some markers don’t even need twisting. For those, you can pop the part open by applying pressure like you would with regular pens.
- Filling the Body:
Then, fill the body with water. Make sure that it does not overflow. After filling the body, screw it back firmly.
- Releasing the Water:
Now, press the body to release the water inside it. Be careful enough not to release everything at once. The goal here is to wet the brush and release just enough water.
- Activation of Color:
Most markers have inbuilt colored ink. For these markers, releasing the water will automatically bring out the ink. In the case of regular water brush pens, you will need to use the released water to activate color from water-based pigments. Then, you can use the tool as you like.
- Cleaning the Brush
Cleaning a watercolor brush pen is a piece of cake! All you have to do is push the water out of the body. The brush will get cleaned with that water. If the water inside the body is not enough to clean the brush, you can use water from an external source.
Things to Consider Before Choosing
So, you want to buy the best water-color marker set? Good for you. However, if you don’t know what you should look for before buying the product, the odds might not be in your favor.
To make sure you don’t face an unfortunate fate, take a look at the things you should consider before buying a watercolor marker.
Ink Quality
Of course, the quality of the ink matters a lot. Make sure you buy a marker that has got superior ink quality. Don’t go for the ones that fade away. Rather, get your hands on those that bring life to your artwork while the quality shimmers even after years.
Color Selection
As an artist, of course, you’ll need to combine different colors in your artwork. The more the colors, the more the art diversity. So, get yourself a marker set that offers you a wide range of color versatilities. I prefer choosing a marker that has at least 20 to 60 color variants.
Brush Quality
The durability of your markers depends on the quality of the brush it has. Flexibility is, of course, a must-have feature. Without soft and flexible brushes, you’ll never be able to work on your art projects smoothly.
However, as far as durability is concerned, you should get yourself a soft Nylon brush marker. These markers tend to last longer than the typical ones.
Bend-ability
Like I was saying, flexibility is a must. However, not just brush though. You have to make sure your marker bends instead of cracking when you press the tip hard. The ones I have mentioned in my reviews have got all these attributes which makes them stand out completely.
Refillable Option
The refillable feature of watercolor brush pens is a novel one but has already achieved classic status. Not every watercolor market has this option. Hence, this is quite an attractive feature, particularly because it increases the value for money. The refillable water brush pens come with spare ink and tools for refilling.
Price-Range
Counting your cash is a must. It won’t cost you a fortune to get yourself a good set of markers. Most marker sets that confirm you quality, come in between the price range from $12 to $40.
Frequently Asked Some Questions
Q: Are these markers safe for the kids?
All of these markers are non-toxic and come with less odor. Besides, they’re non-acidic as well. Even if your kid touches the marker, messes up his hand, or let’s say take them into his mouth by any chance, it won’t cause any problem at all.
Besides, these are completely skin-friendly as well. There’s no chance of getting any itch, allergy or rashes. So, when you use these watercolor markers, you’re always in the safe zone.
Q. Do I use these markers as an alternative to watercolor painting?
Sure, you can. These watercolor markers are the best alternative to water painting. In fact, I would say these are better. You can either use them as normal markers, or you can use them like a watercolor painting brush as well. So, you’re having the best of both worlds.
All you need to do is mix the marker brush with water and start painting. You’ll see you’ve created an amazing art-piece.
Q: Are these watercolor markers refillable?
Unfortunately, these markers are not refillable. You have to buy a different set of markers when the ink runs out.
Q. What kind of paper do I use for watercolor?
If you’re someone who’s just a beginner, you can go for the drawing books from Classmate or Navneet. The pages are very high-quality ones. However, if you’re someone who’s an expert or maybe you want to taste what it actually means to create watercolors, you should go for water-color paper.
However, make sure you know about the types of water-color papers. You’ll get the artist-grade and the student-grade.
Artist-grade watercolor papers, of course, have a better quality than the student-grade one. It’s a bit expensive as well.
Q. What is the best watercolor brush pen for calligraphy?
I did mention which one to go for in the review section when it comes to calligraphy. But if you want a specific answer, I would suggest Tombow dual brush pen. Its fine tip makes it a perfect fit so that you can take your calligraphy skills at its peak.
Read also: Top Rated Brush Pens for Calligraphy Art
Wrapping Up!
Now that you’re Mr know-it-all about the best watercolor markers, I think you know why you used to get all the bad quality arts despite being a good artist.
Why these markers are the best? Well, these markers bring life to your artwork with a shimmering glaze. Don’t just listen to my words. Rather than giving a second thought, get one of these markers right now and start your inking job.